Reasoning and Problem Solving

Abstract

This chapter provides a revised review of the psychological literature on reasoning and problem solving. Four classes of deductive reasoning are presented, including rule (mental logic) theories, semantic (mental model) theories, evolutionary theories, and heuristic theories. Major developments in the study of reasoning are also presented such as unified theories of reasoning and neuroscientific evidence for reasoning performance. The section on reasoning concludes with factors that influence reasoning performance, for example, context, instructions, relevance, and emotions. The psychological literature on problem solving is presented by discussing knowledge representations and strategies, including production systems, parallel distributed processing systems, algorithms, and heuristics. Major theories of problem solving are reviewed such as Newell and Simon's theory of problem solving and Anderson's Adaptive Control of Thought—Rational (ACT-R). Next, situated or embodied problem solving, technology-based problem solving, and neuroscientific evidence for problem solving are discussed as new perspectives in the study of problem solving. Finally, the section on problem solving concludes by reviewing mental sets, strategy selection, the effects of experience level, and knowledge on successful problem solving.